Arsenal: £50m deal after Jesus would be 'real signal of intent' at the Emirates

Arsenal will show ‘a real signal of intent’ if they succeed in luring Leeds United talisman Raphinha to the Emirates Stadium, according to journalist Pete O’Rourke.

The Gunners appear to be on the brink of completing the £45million signing of Manchester City striker Gabriel Jesus, but Raphinha is also on boss Mikel Arteta’s radar.

Raphinha is at the centre of a four-way transfer battle, with Arsenal, Chelsea, Tottenham Hotspur and Barcelona eager to take him off Leeds’ hands.

The Gunners have already made their move for the Brazilian, with them lodging a big-money bid earlier this week, but it fell short of his current employers’ valuation and was quickly rejected.

Although Raphinha still has two years remaining on his £63,000-per-week Elland Road deal, Leeds may be forced to cash-in on the winger as they no longer anticipate being able to negotiate a contract extension.

With that being the case, it is understood that the Whites will be willing to do business with Raphinha’s suitors if a bid worth upwards of £50million is tabled.

However, Arsenal have a battle on their hands as, according to Spanish sources, the 25-year-old’s preferred destination is Barcelona.

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O’Rourke believes Raphinha would give Arteta a different option to what he currently boasts in the wide positions at the Emirates Stadium.

The journalist feels ensuring the nine-cap Brazil international heads to north London would show Arsenal mean business heading into the upcoming campaign.

O’Rourke told GIVEMESPORT: “Raphinha was probably Leeds’ best player last season and he would give Arsenal’s attack an extra dimension as well.

“He’s such a classy operator, he can score goals,